It’s fascinating how the things we often worry about can be so out of proportion to the actual danger they represent. Take Ebola. The hysteria here in North America about an outbreak that was concentrated in West Africa was a tad excessive. So I decided I’d share two of the things that I feel my patients worry too much about—and then present two things that actually deserve their concern.

There are so many heart-wrenching problems that are depicted in the media. In reality, you aren’t expected to help every cause you come across. But some of the most effective donors develop a philanthropic plan, and devote their money and energy to a few specific causes important to them.